Sheriff's Correctional Deputy - Female Only (County Classification: Cadet)

County of San Luis Obispo; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of San Luis Obispo Sheriff's Office is seeking self-motivated Female Correctional Deputies to work in the County jail. You will perform the full range of duties related to custody, supervision, and counseling of inmates, starting as a Sheriff's Cadet during training and progressing to a Correctional Deputy.

Position involves custody of inmates, coordination of intake, healthcare, programs, transportation, and release, with required STC training following appointment.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or GED indicating high school graduation level or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license required at the time of application; California driver’s license required at appointment and maintained throughout employment.
• Within 6 months of appointment, obtain First Aid and CPR training; within 12 months, complete STC, Adult Corrections Officer Core Course; STC annual training thereafter.

Responsibilities

• Custody, supervision, and counseling of inmates.
• Perform duties related to intake, healthcare, programs, transportation, and release of incarcerated persons.
• Investigate crimes arising from custodial assignments and perform related work.

Skills

Communication skills

Adaptability

Observation

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

The Sheriff's Office is seeking self-motivated, dedicated Female Correctional Deputies to work in the County jail. In this role, you will be responsible for performing the full range of duties related to the custody, supervision, and counseling of inmates. Successful candidates will be hired as Sheriff's Cadet during an initial training period and to attend required courses in order to become a Correctional Deputy.

Sheriff’s Correctional Deputies work in the County Jail which houses all persons arrested in San Luis Obispo County who are either sentenced or awaiting trial. Under general supervision incumbents are responsible for the intake, custody, welfare, healthcare, programs, services, transportation, and release of incarcerated persons in the custody of the Sheriff; investigate crimes that arise from custodial assignments; and perform other related work as required.

The physical agility component of this recruitment is scheduled on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time.

The ideal candidate will possess formal education in corrections or law enforcement and possess a knowledge of Custody division programs, policies and procedures. Candidates must be honest, possess integrity, and be able to take direction, as well as work independently when required. The ability to effectively interact with a diverse population including, but not limited to, incarcerated persons, arresting officers, probation staff, and administrative support staff is key. A strong work ethic and excellent communication and observation skills are desired. The ability to adapt to various environments, think quick on your feet, and multi-task is a must.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education and Experience: A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes: Graduation from high school or possession of a general education development test certificate indicating high school graduation level or its equivalent as determined by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. Proof of minimum educational requirement may be required.
• Licenses and Certificates: A valid driver’s license is required at the time of application. A valid California driver’s license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment. Within 6 months of appointment to Correctional Deputy must obtain and keep valid both First Aid and CPR training. Within 12 months of appointment as a Correctional Deputy must satisfactorily complete the Standards & Training for Correction (STC), Adult Corrections Officer Core Course. Thereafter, the STC annual required training must be met.

Physical Agility Test

• 550 Yard Run
• Push-Ups
• Sit-Ups
• Pull-Ups

• Event 1 - 550 Yard Run: 165 seconds or less target time.
• Event 2 - Push-Ups: Two minute max time limit for as many as you can do with proper form. During the exercise you can only rest in plank position; plank must have proper form; knees cannot touch the ground.
• Event 3 - Sit-Ups: Two minute max time limit for as many as you can do with proper form. During the exercise, arms must be behind the head or crossed over the chest; candidate can rest in up position.
• Event 4 - Pull-Ups: Must attempt at least one unassisted rep starting in hang position; candidate can rest in hang position.

Since one of the events involves running, you can prepare for the test by practicing both short sprints and longer runs. The other three events involve upper body and core strength. It is possible to condition yourself for these by doing similar total body exercises. As mentioned above, scores are cumulative for all events. Candidates must attain a cumulative score of 30 in order to pass.

Hours

• This position is scheduled to work three 12-hour shifts in a week and one 8-hour shift every other week. The shifts are scheduled as either 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. or 7 p.m. - 7 a.m.
• Limited 40 hour workweek assignments, Monday-Friday, 8 hour shifts.

Working Conditions

• Perhaps obvious, but this position does require you to work in the jail. Working inside a jail can be considered a "difficult" or "challenging" environment for some.
• In many situations, inmates in which you have close contact with have poor personal hygiene, may be violent, mentally ill, and/or use vulgar language, among other things.
• The work environment can be loud, overcrowded, have offensive odors, and be physically demanding.

To accept a position with the Sheriff's Office, you must successfully complete a Sheriff's Background Investigation. Below is a partial list of offenses or issues that may disqualify you from successful completion. Please review the below list:

• Any felony conviction
• Recent misdemeanor conviction, or any two misdemeanor convictions as an adult
• Poor employment history
• Any sale, manufacture, or cultivation of illegal drugs
• Recent use of illegal substances such as opiates, hallucinogens, injectables, cocaine, methamphetamine, or similar substance
• Poor driving record such as numerous hazardous traffic violations or chargeable accidents
• Recent conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, or any two convictions for this offense as an adult
• Any act of domestic violence, as defined by law
• Any crime committed against a child
• Behavior or derogatory remarks constituting discrimination or bias toward others based on their race, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other protected class
• Any material misstatement of fact or intentional omission of information during the application or background process

Other Conditions of Employment

Age and Citizenship: All applicants must meet the age and citizenship requirements of California Government Code 1031. Written proof of the foregoing is required.

Character: Good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation. No convictions by any State, the Federal Government, or a foreign government of a crime, which could have been punishable by imprisonment in a Federal Penitentiary or a State prison.

For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov. If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail]. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.